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Brian Shortsleeve for Massachusetts

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U.S. SEN. RICK SCOTT ENDORSES

Apr 21, 2026

BRIAN SHORTSLEEVE FOR GOVERNOR

 

BOSTON, MA – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, former Governor of Florida and former Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), endorsed Marine Corps veteran, business leader, and Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve.

Senator Scott pointed to Massachusetts’ high cost of living and outmigration to states like Florida as evidence that change is urgently needed. Florida is known for its hospitable economic environment with no state income tax and business-friendly policies and was the top state for outbound migration from Massachusetts, according to the most recent data.

“Every day, families and businesses leave Massachusetts for Florida because they’re tired of Maura Healey’s high taxes, out-of-control spending, and costly regulation,” said Scott. “Brian Shortsleeve understands that if you want families and jobs to stay, you have to make your state affordable and competitive again.”

Scott also emphasized Shortsleeve’s long record as a committed conservative and loyal supporter of Republican candidates both in Massachusetts and nationwide, including during Scott’s tenure as chairman of the NRSC.

“I’ve known Brian for years through his steadfast support of Republican candidates and conservative causes, including when I was leading the NRSC,” Scott added. “He’s a successful businessman, a proven government reformer and a lifelong conservative who believes in lower taxes, limited government, and holding bureaucrats accountable. I urge Massachusetts Republicans who want real conservative reform to rally behind Brian who will put taxpayers, jobs and opportunity first.”

Shortsleeve welcomed the endorsement and drew a clear contrast with Maura Healey’s record.

“Sen. Scott’s leadership, first as governor and then as senator, helped turn Florida into a model for economic growth and fiscal discipline, and I’m grateful for his support” said Shortsleeve. “Massachusetts should not be losing families and jobs to other states because of reckless spending and sky-high costs. As governor, I will cut waste, lower the tax burden, and make this Commonwealth a place where families can afford to stay and businesses can afford to grow.”

The endorsement from Senator Scott adds to growing support for Shortsleeve among Republican leaders including:

  • MA Senator Peter Durant

  • MA State Representatives Nick Boldyga, Marc Lombardo, Paul Frost, Joe McKenna, John Marsi, Mike Soter, and Donnie Berthiaume

  • Taunton Mayor Shauna O’Connell

  • Taunton City Councilor Larry Quintal

  • Republican State Committee members Sean Powers, Dan Hickey, Alex Hagerty, Jess Boldyga, Mark Bodanza, Caroline Cunningham, Ryan Chamberland, Tim Smyth, Judy Crocker (Vice Chair), and Amanda Peterson (Secretary)

  • Former Republican State Committee member Greg Casey

  • Former State Representatives Ginny Coppola and Dan Webster

  • Former Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cumming 

  • Former State Representative and Barnstable Town Councilor Will Crocker

  • Mark Bandoza, Leominster City Councilor and Republican State Committeeman

  • Jim Ettamarna, Sutton Selectman

  • Catherine Krabey, Plainville Republican Town Committee Chair

  • Rob Chamberlain, Dennis Republican Town Committee Chair

  • Ally Webster, Lakeville Republican Town Committee Chair and Vice Chair, Massachusetts Young Republicans

  • Jaqui Van Looy, Wellesley Republican Town Committee Chair

  • Michael Doud, Barnstable Republican Town Committee Chair

  • Scott Lemay, Weston Republican Town Committee Chair

  • Leonard Hull, former Dighton Selectmen

  • Barbara Bush, former Republican State Committee member

  • Don Humason, former State Senator and former Mayor of Westfield

  • Medley Long, former State Representative candidate and former Chair of the Beverly Republican City Committee

  • Susanne Conley, Save Greater Downes Beach

  • Chris Lauzon, Chair of the Barnstable Housing Authority Commission

  • Jerry McDermott, former Norfolk County Sheriff and former Boston City Councilor

  • Richard Snyder, Boston Ward 21 Republican Committee Chair

  • Rob DeMarco, former Winthrop Town Councilor

  • Jim Letterie, President of the Winthrop Town Council

  • Johnny Loreti, President of the Bridgewater Town Council

  • US Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Todd Young (R-IN)